Maradona will not support Argentina

Maradona will not support Argentina

Argentine legend Diego Maradona says he will not support Argentina at the FIFA U-17 World cup hosted by UAE.

Maradona has never reconciled differences with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) since he was unceremoniously removed from the position of head coach of the senior national side after the 2010 World Cup.

He is currently serving as a sports ambassador for Dubai, after leaving Emirates club Al Wasl last year as well as picking up the post of 'spiritual coach' for Primera D club Deportivo Riestra in Argentina.

“I will support the UAE and not Argentina because of my differences with my country,” the former World Cup winner announced at a press conference.

“I urge all the fans to come in large numbers to support the home team.”

The tournament kicks off on Thursday with Brazil facing Slovakia in the opening match, before hosts UAE take on Honduras.

Argentina, meanwhile, start their campaign, without the of Maradona, against Iran on Saturday evening.